4.2
Quality4.0
Difficulty79%
Would Retake85
Reviews79%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
59
4
10
3
1
2
2
1
13
What Students Say
“I don't understand how anyone can disrespect Shawn Reese”
CHEM420 - 5.0 rating“Not your typical 5-unit course at a community college”
CHEM420 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM400
4.8
(4)CHEM420421
4.7
(3)CHEM421
4.5
(28)CHEM420AND421
4.3
(12)CHEM420
3.9
(34)Difficulty by Course
CHEM421
4.1
CHEM420
4.0
CHE420
4.0
OCHEM420
4.0
CHEM420421
4.0
Reviews (85)
Shawn Reese is the best chemistry professor you can have. This guy knows his chemistry inside out because he actually works at a company as a synthetic chemist. Be prepared to work and be prepared to learn. He is an amazing professor. Get his lecture nots from the bookstore. Study it like the bible and you will definitely get a good grade on tests.
So its a tough class but requires the time it deserves, expect A LOT of time studying, study his outline and quizzes like a bible, write down all he writes down, don't be put down by his attitude he may seem annoyed when you ask something he's not that just how he is to everyone even the students he really likes so don't take it personal lol
Awesome professor & super funny (even though he doesn't think that). He's very approachable and makes class very interesting. Really cares about his students and wants them to pass!! Goes a little fast sometimes and skims over some subjects, but helps you if you ask him. Tests were a piece of cake. Definitely taking him for Chem 420.
The best Chem professor ever. He is extremely knowledgeable in Chemistry and will help if you need any help. He is also a life coach to all of his students.
Professor Reese is by far one of the BEST professor I've taken at CRC. Orgo Chemistry is a very difficult subject but he is VERY knowledgeable and great at what he does. I highly, highly recommend taking him. This guy knows his stuff!!! Good luck!!!
Professor Reese is best prof that I ever take. If you want to have full knowledge for organic chemistry, he is best choice for you. His lectures is very helpful and organized. He is passionate teacher with always reminds and takes care his students.
Not the easiest class but chemistry shouldn't be. He gives you everything you need and it's really up too you to make the most of it. Do all the HW and problems on each section and you will get over 100 on each exam. Final is really easy. He is a funny guy especially if you like Star Wars.
Took him for CHEM 420 & 421. Hands down, best professor ever! He helps simplify a convoluted subject. Study his lecture notes like they're the Bible (read & rewrite them multiple times) and you'll be on your way to an A. Do as many practice problems as possible and PUSH ELECTRONS. Lab is also super easy and fun (just don't spill the chemicals).
I have so much respect for this man. He's honestly the best professor I've ever had. The class is difficult and requires A LOT of outside studying. Come to class and study his lectures like your life depends on it. Reese really knows what hes talking about and genuinely wants you to succeed. Labs are super fun and lectures aren't boring
My experience with Dr. Reese has been beyond delightful. He teaches chemistry from a practical point of view which was a total game changer for me. After completing this course I feel so confident and proficient in chemistry! He really helped solidify my electron pushing skills, which will be the sharpest tool in your belt during this course!
I just finished his 420 class & I can't wait to start 421. Reese really wants his students to succeed, he wants to help you not just pass but understand the concepts behind ochem. Its great b/c he's a real world organic chemist so he really knows his stuff. Don't be intimidated by his tone, he may sound annoyed but hes not. 10/10 would take again!
You need an organic chemistry teacher? Shawn's your dude. He knows his stuff and he is willing to work with you so you succeed. I've never met a more caring and amazing professor. He cares about every one of his students. The best professor I've ever had. He'll definitely train you to become a jedi master
I just finished the Ochem series at CRC, and I will definitely miss his lectures/labs. Honestly, he is one of my favorite professors at CRC. He is passionate and really wants his students to succeed. He might sound frustrated sometimes, but he once said that it means he still cares about his students. Take him, and you will never regret.
Prof Reese is the best o chem professor you can get in LOS RIOS, he makes o chem easier to understand. He treats everyone as a professional, if needed extra help his office hours were great help.
Oh boy, where do I start? CHEM420 is definitely the hardest class I've taken (much harder than MATH402, BIOL400, and PHYS411). The sheer amount of material covered in so little time makes for an accelerated environment. On top of quizzes almost everyday, you have to be at the top of your game to do well. Reese's students go doing well in university
Not your typical 5-unit course at a community college. This class taught by Reese is definitely on another level. If I were to estimate the amount of work you'd have to put into this course averaging the unit counts and experience I have, I would say this course would amount to an 8-unit course due to the sheer amount of work to be done for an A.
Undergrad ochem is supposed to be hard, it's one of the"weeder" courses to pick out the unacceptable from the adaptable. Expect to be challenged and to put in some hard work as it is probably the most important undergrad course for anyone majoring in the bio/chem/biochem fields. Reese is a really good guy who teaches really well.
The grade distribution is a B average with 13 people having A's, 18 people B's, 16 C's, and 7 failing. Moreover, Reese is hard on his students because he wants them to succeed later on. He's produced students capable of acing OCHEM on the DAT or acing their biochemistry class. Some students come in more prepared than UC Davis 1st year matriculants.
Reese is so funny and always eager to help you learn! He teaches from the perspective of a professional chemist, b/c he also works as a chemist. I took 420 at ARC and memorized things I now forget but Reese teaches how to think more intuitively about OCHEM. It's HARD but he'll show you how to what you ACTUALLY need to know to be a genuine chemist.
I don't understand how anyone can disrespect Shawn Reese. This guy is doing everyone a favor by creating an environment where you're forced to adapt by honing your academic strengths and working on your weaknesses. He can be intimidating at times, I agree (I know he tries not to be), but he seems to be a chill person outside of class.
Quizzes almost every day for weeks 2-11. Weeks 12-16 have around one quiz per week as he starts putting time into prepping his students for the final exam. 1800 total points, 4 exams, 1 exam is replaced with final exam grade. Quizzes represent exams really well. Lab is not stressful. Aside from that, HE IS THE BEST PROFESSOR, HANDS DOWN.
Everyone needs a Shawn Reese. Study his lecture notes and don't slack off. He's funny and makes the class fun. Honestly, at the beginning of my semester, I thought this class would be my hardest class, turns out the class turned into my easiest, relative to my other courses. Though, I'm not saying this class is easy but this dude makes it fun.
If you need to take O-chem do yourself a solid favor and take Dr. Reese. You will not regret it. He cares about his students. He listens. He genuinely wants you to understand what it is he is teaching.
Professor Reese is the best chemistry professor so far. Don't think, just take him and you won't regret. He is so inspirational and is ready to help you whenever possible. Quizzes helps you understand where you stand in class. Lecture notes were extremely helpful. Lectures are amazing and exams are pretty helpful to boost your grade up.
Dr. Reese was the reason why I became involved in chemistry, if you put in the effort you will learn the art of manipulating chemicals. I would recommend no other teacher for teaching foundations of organic chemistry.
I took him for 420 and 421, he taught o-chem in a way that was really helpful for biochem in UC Davis and MCAT. He prepares you well for University. One of the best lecturers I have ever taken. He does field trips as well (we went to the California Department of Food and agriculture), overall great O-chem coach and super approachable.
Prof Reese is a real sweetheart. Organic Chemistry is a really hard subject. He understands this and he goes way-way overboard to try to help you get it. He has office hours, he keeps his office hours and there is no chemistry question too small, simple, or silly for him to help you with. Do yourself a favor, take him. It's worth it.
Don't be intimidated by ANYTHING. Also he's nicer than he appears. Learn to enjoy his rants; b/c it helps with the edge Use lecture time to detail his notes, learning is a plus, but most of my learning outside was of the class. His study materials (ex: quizzes, sample exams, etc) do all the heavy duty, but it can be confusing - so be resourceful
Reese is an excellent prof. & an incredible human! Though he may, at times, appear annoyed/intimidating, he presents so due to his intense passion for students' success. PaceQUICK; material can be difficult, 0 easy A's (w/o some effort). Do the work & you'll be significantly rewarded! Grade went from a C to B to A+ via HARD studying (+ ACS curve)!
Great O chem professor. Dont be afraid to approach him for help even if hes having a bad day. He wants you to succeed. If you put in a lot of work and time, you will get an A. Tests/quizzes can be easy or difficult depending on the time you spend outside of class studying. 4 tests. Final is ACS and can boost your grade because of the curve.
His lectures are okay, he goes on rants a LOT and I think it was just because he was having a hard time outside of school- but he is a very sweet guy. His exams are like the lecture packet, so study those. Labs are EASY. It is not hard to get a B but requires effort for an A.
Horrible professor, too much ego
Great Professor! Highly Recommend him for Organic Chemistry.
It was an honor being his student this semester. Prof Reese provides everything you need to be successful in the course, you just need to put in your end of the work to see the results you want. Expect weekly quizzes, four exams worth 250 points and a final worth 350 points. He's super helpful in office hours as well. Good luck!
Man, 350 characters if not enough to give credit to Professor Reese. This was really one of the best classes I have ever taken. He gives you the tools to get an A, you just have to put in the work. He grades fair, his lectures are clear and super funny, and he makes everything so clear. He sets the bar of excellence in teaching. Great class.
Horrible professor ! too much ego with border line personality disodrer!
Professor Reese is hands-down the best professor I have ever had. He cares about the success of his students and wants us all to UNDERSTAND the material versus memorizing it. There are a lot of quizzes, but they help prepare you for the exams. His exams can be difficult, but if you put the time in to study, you will do great. Hard work pays off!
He gives quizzes every lecture and he goes over the material super fast. His lecture note have many typos as well as the lab manual. He does not even go by the lab manual. You do not get your exams back or lab quizzed. He thinks everyone is equal with learning which is not true. Always saying"cornfusing" when it is confusing to say the obvious
Shawn Reese makes you buy a textbook that is not used in class other than homework problems that he will not grade. Many mistakes are made by him when he writes on the board. He starts with making students "push electrons" and then stops pushing electrons at the end. He makes you turn in your labnote book at the end of the semsester or else F
Annoying when he goes on rants and off topic and he does that a lot. He goes through the matterial super fast like we are racing to the moon. He has states that he is not here to teach us chemistry that he is here to make sure we get injured during lab. He never said anything about teaching us chemistry. We deserve better. Please resign.
A lot of the high rates are lies. He is more of a 3.0-3.3 range. He is definately not a 3.5 or higher because he has awful interpersonal communication skills. He is the type of teacher that will guide you to survive, but he will not teach you enough to earn the A. If you want to cheat, take his class. He has his exams in a huge recital hall
Let me start by saying he is THE BEST professor I've had. The person who went on a rant saying he's horrible obviously got offended by something personal. Every professor will make mistakes & typos but come on you also have to take responsibility to do some learning on your own. He gives all the help he can. Text book is SUPER helpful. Reese: 10/10
Enought with the jokes. How funny that the negative ratings are a more reality in what the class is like than the infactuated "reesse is the best professor ever." If you are looking for the truth then the negative comments are true. The Reese fans never told you anything about how the class actually is going to be like. It really be like that.
Reese knows chemistry, but it does not mean you will learn chemistry like he knows it. It takes time to get at his level. He has caused much stress in my life and I am thankful I did not get a stroke or heartattack. That is a HELL NO on reese for me until he changes some of his teaching ways.
I think he could use better training in teaching to say the least. He is not the best professor. You pay for what you get remember that. I worked my brain off to learn the material. I would say 10% of my learning came from the lectures.
He knows a lot, but he sure will not teach it to you. He teaches you the basic.
The material will be tough and challenging - it builds throughout the semester so you must understand. He will present you the bulk of the material so you will have notes but you should expect to supplement your learning yourself. Expect to study from the textbook. He can be intimidating at times but he is a professor who cares about your learning.
This class will reward you with as much time as you can put into it, second semester of o-chem is very reaction heavy so don't be surprised when you have to memorize 20-30 reactions per test, the people that complain about this class try to learn 30 reactions 2 days before the test which is not a good idea. He will answer every question you ask.
Alright Im convinced that the string of recent negative reviews are from trolls. Reese is a straightforward guy. He never sugarcoated his class from day one whether you took 420 or 421 with him. He teaches the subject well and he grades fair. Dont expect to casually cruise through his course(s). You gotta actually put in the effort and try.
Dr. Reese can be intimidating, but he is actually very nice. He really cares about you and wants to help you succeed in the class and life. I took him for both classes and he made learning ochem less hard than it actually is. Approaches things in a logical way and encourages you to problem solve rather than memorize. Generous on exam and lab time.
Ok, so who are the people bashing Professor Reese for his personality traits and characteristics? Clearly, these people have put VERY little effort into his class. Professor Reese is one of the kindest, most sincere person/professor I have taken! It is true that this class is no joke, (I will give you a hint, it's O Chem) so put in the time and win
I dont understand the hype with this professor. I am taking him online and find his teaching style hard to follow resulting in me teaching myself. I am studying hours on end and find his lectures unhelpful. He in my opinion is more of a supplement to what you learn on your own. I would suggest another professor simply b/c I feel like I am on my own
Reese is a solid choice for orgo. His humor during lectures is entertaining and allows for me to retain the info being taught better. As for his lectures, he teaches the basics of the mechanisms and products but it is up to the student to learn to apply it to harder problems. He is very straightforward with what is expected and he is accommodating
Oh my God like professor Reese is like the best professor ever!!!!!!!! He like really know his stuff!!!!!! and like really cares about his students!!!!!!!He teaches you how to push electrons which is like really important!!!!!He also teaches you how reagents react with starting matteria!!!!!Professor Reese is like super awesome!!!!!Toddles <3
Professor Reese is amongst the finest professors that I've had the privilege of studying under. He is extremely passionate about Chemistry. His often dry sense of humor might scare off some people but please don't be! He wants nothing other than the success of his students and the delivery of the material. OChem is hard, but he makes it fun!
Professor Reese is an amazing professor I met at CRC. The only way you can pass an exam or a final with an C is to keep on practicing (I recommend studying at least 3-4 hours a day). He is very good with answering the questions related with the lectures. He's also use so many Star Wars references in class.
I took this class 7 years after I took Chem420. I loathe OChem but loved that it was online because the lectures were recorded. The recordings helped me to keep up better because I can go back and pause. His lecture notes were extremely helpful. You will have a quiz after each chapter! He keeps you on your toes! Nicest prof ever! Loved him!
I took him for 420 and 421. He is the best professor you can have for organic chemistry because he teaches really well and challenges you. His class prepares you to be successful. I went on to UC Davis and received "A's" in my biochemistry classes. The people who wrote negative reviews on him should maybe think of changing their career paths.
Amazing professor! He is always very clear of what he expects if you want an A or a B. Can come off a little rude when you ask questions but he is definitely here to help. He gives lots of problems to master each chapter! His lecture notes and the Organic Chem as a Second Language book really helped me out for the first half of the class.
Reese is awesome! He can be rude at times when you ask a question or in his office hours, but he's been through a lot.... He really knows his stuff and just wants his students to succeed and be the best at Ochem. His lectures are based off of his notes, and require a lot of practice outside of class.
Professor Reese is one of the best professors that I have ever taken! I have had the honor of taking his course for both CHEM 420 and CHEM 421 for Organic Chemistry. I had to retake OChem because I did not perform well at UC Berkeley and he was a much better teacher, making it easier to understand. He does not BS you and has clear expectations.
Prof. Shawn is gifted at explaining things multiple ways in an inordinately clear fashion that helped me to easily grasp chemical concepts and theories. I had him both semesters for OChem. Study hard because there no try in Chemistry. You either do it or you don't. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH Prof. Shawn Reese AND THOSE WHO TAKE HIS CLASS!
I just finished my first year at UC Davis and the Biochemistry series, and was able to finish the two courses with High A's. Reese definitely prepared me for the real world and I appreciate his tough advice. Take him, you wont regret it and he will prepare you for biochemistry
One of the worst lecturer.He expects students to know every thing and wouldn't teach well in class.I know ochem is hard but he tries to make it even harder.I have never given any of my professors bad ratings but if u wanna suffer in hell take him. He is very rude and thinks of himself as superior even though he makes mistakes while lecturing.
If I could give him an award for being the worst lecturer I would. Rushes through the lectures and it feels like he is teaching himself rather than us. He has been teaching ochem from past 20 years yet still will make mistakes and say "I don't pretend to be perfect" however if we make a single small mistake straight 10 points off.Not understanding.
As long as you watch/ attend the lectures and take notes this class is relatively easy to pass. Reese is very accessible if you have questions either during lectures or office hours. I would really recommend watching the prerecorded lectures prior to class!
As long as you study consistently, I would say it's easy to get a good grade. He also has lecture videos available online if you miss a class or a topic. The only thing is sometimes his delivery can be harsh so if you're sensitive I would say YouTube is your best bet for help. He is a nice guy though.
Prof. Reese is the best professor I have ever taken. He usually rushes through materials because basically there are lot to cover, and he sometimes doesn't explain the materials thoroughly just simply because they are complicated and unnecessary. Expect to put extra efforts since it is OChem but don't be afraid Prof. Reese always ready to help.
Class is hard but the professor tries his best to make the subject understanding
In my two years of college I can't recommend any other professor more than Prof. Reese. Before taking his class know to never take anything personally nor think that he is mean. He does truly care for his students when it comes to helping them understand topics and as he corrects your work. Keep up with the studying though. (Take care Pepsi King)
Prof Reese is great at boiling down ochem and making it understandable.The best resources for the class are the lecture videos he posts on Canvas and his notes. This class is a huge time investment so practice and repetition is really important! As someone that took a 4 year gap between 420 and 421, it is possible to do well in this class!
one year of ochem later and I could not be happier to have Reese be my prof. expectations are very clear, studying is a must, and office hours were the biggest help. he truly cares for his students education and wants you to succeed. push electrons!!!
I have no words to express how much I respect professor Shawn Reese he is great guy and and wonderful teacher. If you need to take Ochem there is no better professor in Los Rios district. Class is hard but is the best coach. He knows what he is teaching and his lab notes are very helpful.
I'm happy to learn
He is consistent in his teaching and clearly explains concepts. Probably the best professor to take for ochem. Exams are the main part of your grade. Final is cumulative. You need to study at least 7-10 hours each week for this class. He is very blunt but you will learn the material.
Every chapter has in-person quizzes and homework to keep you on track. There are four exams and one final (replaces one exam if you score higher). The lectures are quick and he expects you to have watched the pre-recorded lectures. Labs are fairly simple and done individually. Freshen up on general chemistry before taking and be ready to study!
1 final (350 points), 4 midterms (250 points) replaceable by final, and 1 lab final (80 points). Nearly daily quizzes on previous lectures to check attendance and assess progress (10/15 pts writing your name). The best professor I've ever had at LRCCD, but OChem isn't for the faint of heart. Simply put in the effort. He's also a hilarious guy.
A year later, I still think about how great of a teacher he is. Prepares you for Uni school, and generous in his grading. Dedicate the time to push electrons and office hours are great for practice/feedback. I still refer to my notes from this class, wish he taught 400/401 and practice with quizzes/his hwk for exams. Book is good for extra pract.
I'm glad I took Professor Reese's class. He is clearly an expert in organic chemistry and has a deep understanding of the subject. He explains the material in a way that makes it much easier to understand, and he is also generous with grading. Both lecture and lab are enjoyable. I really appreciated the opportunity to learn from Professor Reese.
The lectures were heavy and course material/directions felt difficult to navigate. Grading on exams were extremely strict and exams were challenging and didn't match practice materials. Organic chemistry is a very difficult subject so plan to study 2+ hours everyday. Students who need more guidance in chemistry may find this professor difficult.
honestly the best professor i have ever taken, extremely caring and genuinely wants only the best for his students. however the class itself is hard and there is no way around that but professor Reese does his best to help you succeed. he kept the course focused on the material, and any side comments were brief and not meant to convert anyone.
Not sure why people are bashing Professor Reese. Anyone doing that probably didn't put real effort into his class over his personality or teaching style. From my experience. He's one of the kindest and most genuine professors I've had. Yes, the course is tough but if you show up, work hard, and stay consistent, you'll do well.
All the lower rated reviews started mysteriously going missing?? Reese is an okay professor. He isn't perfect but majority of these five star reviews are extremely misleading. Ochem is tough and there's no way to make it easier. This site is longer accurate because Reese has so much bandwagon support from previous students.
Professor Reese is the best professor I've had. He provides plenty of resources like notes and lecture videos, offers extra credit on every exam, and assigns little work outside class. No lab reports, very short pre labs, optional homework. O-chem is tough, but he makes it manageable. Fun and kind personality, but expect some sass.
One thing to note is that many of the negative reviews were deleted/missing?? RMP changed their guidelines so mostly bootlicker comments stay. He's a smart guy, but his attitude and tone are really bad, and his red-voter viewpoints trickle into his class (of mostly marginalized groups mind you..) too often. Overlooking that, you do learn a lot.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
CHEM400
4.8
(4)CHEM420421
4.7
(3)CHEM421
4.5
(28)CHEM420AND421
4.3
(12)CHEM420
3.9
(34)Difficulty by Course
CHEM421
4.1
CHEM420
4.0
CHE420
4.0
OCHEM420
4.0
CHEM420421
4.0